Open 470 Junior European Championships

Taking place from 12-20 August, the world's best youth 470 sailors will be sharing the waters off La Rochelle, France with the crème de la crème of 420 juniors, as the classes combine their European Championships.

“We expect to see at least 100 entries representing more than 25 nations in the 470. The 470 Junior Championships are always inspirational events,” commented Stanislav Kassarov, 470 Class President, “and it is a privilege to be able to support and encourage the next generation of youth sailors. Many will have Olympic ambitions, but equally many will compete just because they love sailing the 470 and the social side of the class. It is a natural transition in a sailing career to step from the 420 to the 470, so there are many friendships across the two fleets.”

The earlybird entry fee is EUR200 per crew for entries made before 10 July and EUR240 after that date.

Racing is scheduled to get underway on 14 August, with a six race qualifying series, followed by a 9 race final series, including the Medal Race for the top 10.

The defening Junior European Champions from last year's event in Lake Balaton, Hungary are both still within the age limit of 21 years or under, so we may see them return to defend their titles. In 2009 in the men's/mixed fleet Sofian Bouvet and Jeremie Mion (FRA) romped home with a decisive victory and significant points margin – and demonstrated a level of superiority in the boat that they appear to have effortlessly transferred to the senior fleet so far this season. In the women's fleet Vicktoria Jurcok and Josephine Bach (GER) claimed victory with an equally dominating and consistent victory as their male counterparts, and also have made their mark in the senior fleet.